Eye treatment application devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a convenient sterile system for applying liquids to the eye. The system consists of a plastic container for single application use filled with material soothing or medicinal to the eye. The container with its liquid contents may be attached to a sterile plastic eye cup in an arrangement which allows the eye cup to be used when the user&#39;&#39;s head is in an upright position.

'U lited States Patent mi Bratton m] 3,818,909 [4 June 25, 1974 v EYE TREATMENT APPLICATION DEVICES [76] lnventor: Francis H. Bratton, PQO. Box 345,

Marion, Va. 24354 [22] Filed: Oct. 25,-1972 21 1 App]. No.: 300,826

52 use 1...; v 128/232,128/249 511 int. Cl A6lm 1/00 [58] Field of Search..... 128/232, 233, 249

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,482,431 9/1949 Okawa t 128/233 2,626,606 1/1953 Campbell 128/249 2.s47,010 8/1958 Knight 123/249 2,898,911 8/1959 Taylor 128/249 3,121.51] 2/1964 Whitehead 128/249 X 3,279,466 10/1966 Mings 128/249 X r 3,392,725 7/1968 Behney 128/249 3,446,209 5/1969 Macha. l28/249X Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet 1 Assistant Examiner-+1. Yasko 1 7] ABSTRACT The present invention provides a convenient sterile system for applying liquids to the eye. The system consists of a plastic container for single application use filled with material soothing or medicinal to the eye. The container with its liquid contents may be attached to a sterile plastic eye cup in an; arrangement which allows the eye cup to be used when the users head is in an upright position.

6 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATEmmJuuzsmm 3,818,909

saw 1 or 2 er w F160 20 a a SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention provides means for the han vdling and dispensing of medicaments or fluids for, the

treatment of the human eye. The fluid is contained in ment which may be disposable and may be maintained in a sterile condition. The pouch containing the fluid is sufficiently soft to allow its contents to be squeezed out, but is sufficiently strong to contain such pressure. The device isso arranged that the fluid may be placed in'or near the eye by squeeze pressure from the hand holding the device. This placement may be made by a lone individual while the individual is .inan upright position. Provisions are made to keep the eye cup and fluid in sterile condition. The devices allow an individual to treat one eye with one hand while the other hand and eye are attentively engaged in other pursuits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Because irritation to the eye is not a new phenomenon, over the'years many continually improving systems have been generated for introducing soothing materials and medicaments into the eye. Generally, the methods have employed the use of either an eye cup or an eye dropper. Previous improvements have been made on both these systems by providing the eye cup as a closed, sealed container which contains the medicament in a sterile condition and which may be used as an eye cup. Various special types of eye droppers as separate units or in combination with packages of eye medicaments have been made available. In general, these methods, while satisfactory in many respects, have weaknesses in that the methods'used for application of the eye medicament require either that the patient bend forward and place a container to his eye or that he tip his head back to allow the drops to fall into the eye.

The proliferation of eye irritants has continued unchecked over the years and the dust of 3he 7lains has given way tothe smog of the cities. In addition to these chemical and physical irritants,one encounters strong variable lights, intense reflections, extremes of high temperature or low humidity, chemical agents, dust and associated fine particles. The physical strain and discomfort of corrective spectacles, contact lenses or protective goggles or shields add to these strains and combine with emotional and physical stress and overwork to create continually increasing strain on the eyes.

During a time period of required attention, an individual will begin to encounter eyestrain which affects his ability to concentrate, to see clearly, andin some cases, to stay awake. In these cases of eyestrain, the application of soothing medicament or isotonic solution to the eye membrane is very relaxing, and at the same time refreshing, and tends to eliminate drowsiness.

Thus for people who are engaged in such consuming and continuous operations as tending the sick, driving a car, piloting a plane, observing instruments in a plant or submarine, undergoing extended periods of military service and exposure, studying for examinations, keeping lookout in times of disaster, observing or fighting fires, there arise the hazards of drowsiness or discomfort resulting from eyestrain. Such eyestrain can be ali a plastic pouch attached to an eye cup in an arrangeleviated when the eye is treated with soothing medicament. While some means for applying soothing, Sterile materials have long been know, a need exists for a system for applying medicament which can be used without loss of attention, and without the need either to bend forward or to tilt the head back. In these cases the availability of a sterile material in a easily opened container which may be used with one hand and applied with spectacles in place answers a. long felt need.

It isjthe object of the present invention to provide fluid for use in the eye in a simple, economical system in a sanitary package, which is of a disposable nature, and which may be used simply by adult or child.

It is the further object of the present invention to provide a means whereby eye medicament is sealed in a pouch for single application u'sein a form which will 1 allow its ready placement in the eye by simple pressure full effectiveness.

It is'the further object of this invention to'provide a system for application of fluid to the eye which may be used withthe head erect and without the removal'of eyeglasses.

It is the further object of this invention to provide a system for application of fluid to the eye, which may be used in situations which demand continuous attention.

It is the further object of the invention to provide a system for application of fluid to the eye which is sterile and which can place fluid in' an open eye from a loca tion essentially horizontal to the open eye, without'danger of damage to the associated delicate tissues.

It is the further object of this invention to provide a means for packaging eye medicament in a pouch of sealed plastic or metal material which has an opening covered with a removable sanitary adhesive device. The particularly stringent requirements for maintenance of the sterile condition of the eye medicament are readily met-by-the devices described.

It is the further object of this invention to provide a new general system for the packagingof eye medicament in which a small pouch structure of heat-scalable plastic is formed and filled with sterile eye medicament. This pouch has a weakened or scored Section so devised that the application of pressure will cause exudation of the eye medicament. The area of the pouch from which the discharge will occur is kept sterile by an adhesive patch placed over the area, for removal immediately before application of the eye medicament.

In accordance with these and many other objectives, there is provided an improved (disposable) prefilled eye fluid system consisting of a guard or cup, anattached sealed container, and a delivery system which may be kept in sterile condition until use and which may be used to apply fluid to the eye with spectacles in place and without the need to tilt the head. In addition, a method is provided for sterile packaging of eye medicaments which allows their application without contact with non-sterile objects.

The fluid compositions are generally of low relative viscosity and include, but are not limited to, aqueous solutions of boric acid, saline material, analgesics, antiseptics, and the like, which are mild in nature and are useful in reducing eye discomfort, or in treating eye disorders.

In the manufacture of these devices of the present invention, the methods of construction may include molding, heat-sealing, forming, blow molding, adhesives or adhesive tapes, pressed fits and the like.

As materials of construction, clear, translucent or opaque plastics, such as polymeric olefins, styrenes, acrylics, vinyl halides, esters, and the like, are preferred, but use may be made of metals, wood, formed or shaped fabric and especially of coated, laminated, and formed plastics.

The methods of packaging, storing, shipping and dispensing may follow the normal practices used with pharmaceutical and medicinal materials in plastic, glass, metal, gas-sterilized containers and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1. Shows a form of the eye treatment applicator in use by an individual.

. FIG. 2. Illustrates one form of fluid pouch, applicator and eye cup.

FIG. 3. Shows a general arrangement in which the fluid pouch and applicator may be economically pro DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING EXAMPLE I An eye treatment system is shown in use in FIG. 1. The pouch (1) containing soothing or medicament fluid is held by a finger (2) and thumb (3) of one hand (4). The unit is positioned over the eye lidsand may be, as shown, behind the spectacles (5) with the individuals head (6) in a vertical or erect position. Fluid is applied to the eye (7) by squeeze pressure of the thumb (3) and finger (2) while the applicator is held before the eye (7). The applicator may be provided with a handle like member (8) to which the fluid revervoir may be attached. As only one hand and one eye are involved, the corresponding members-the hand and eye (9) may be attentively engaged in other pursuits.

The eye treatment unit consists of a handle, squeeze pouch of fluid, a cup which fits over theeye and a fluid discharge means inside the eye cup as illustrated in the examples below. It may be kept sterile before use by the methods described below.

EXAMPLE II While a number of methods of manufacture of the eye treatment devices may be employed, some examples which may be made by simple economical methods are shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. A continuous strip of heat-sealable plastic is made to have fluid-containing pouches such as are made in form, fill and seal packaging equipment. Examples are shown in FIG. 3. Here the tube (10) has been formed by sealing the edges of plastic film although a lap or fin seal might be employed. Suitable transverse heat seals (Ill) have been made to confine the fluid (12) in the pouch segments. The segments have been given edge seals 13) to provide a tubular transfer conduit in the center of which a weakened or punctured area 14) is provided to allow fluid to be discharged into the eye when the pouch area (12) of the tube is squeezed as with a thumb or forefinger. The weakened or punctured area may be protected by a separate seal strip as shown below. This arrangement is shown in an individual unit in the enlarged view of FIG. 4 as it appears after individual members have been separated. The fluid (12) is contained in the pouch (19).

tached is optional. The pouch (19) may be folded into the area of theeye cup and sealed with a sterile isolation film in that compacted position.

EXAMPLE III The eye treatment applicator shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 consists of a plastic pouch and eye cup which may also be protectively sealed until used. In FIG. 5 an eye cup (20) formed of transparent plastic material is provided with a small handle (21). A film pouch (22) is lightly fastened to the outside of the eye cup at (23), passes through the eye cup through the slit (24) and is attached on the inside at (25). A plastic film or tape (26) is sealed to the surface of the eye cup to protect the contents from contamination. Another piece of tape (27) is provided to close the discharge orifice (28) and thus to contain and protect the fluid contents. Tape (27 may be attached to seal film (26) and removed with it. FIG. 6 shows this construction in a cross sectional view. The applicator is shown after removal of plastic tapes of FIG. 7. It is in one position discharging fluid (29), but the pouch (22) could also be held near EXAMPLE IV The eye treatment applicator shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 may be made by heat-sealing plastic film, and is designed to be used as a lining for an eye cup which has a slot, or to be folded into a self supporting applicator. Fluid (31) is contained in the heat-sealed pouch (32) which is sealed to and into 2 layers of film (33) in such a way that fluid from (31) is connected to the tube (34) and will be discharged from the tip (35) when the tip is opened at the weakened area (36). A weakened or perforated seal line or tear strip (37) is provided which.

when torn will allow the two films to open. The tip (38), which may be attached to the tear strip, is pulled off to open the discharge orifice at (36 The use of the eye treatment applicator of FIG. 8 is shown in FIG. 9. The edges (39) of the film have been folded back and the unit is ready for location over the eye with the orifice (36) located to inject fluid into the eye when the bulb or pouch (32) is squeezed. An eye cup is not shown in FIG. 9 but is shown as (41) in cross section in FIG. and may be used. It has a hole (42) through which the pouch (31) and tube (3%) of FIG. 8 may pass and around which the edges (39) of the original film structure (33) may be folded. The eye cup may be reused but the sealed liner may be discarded after use.

EXAMPLE V pered. The bulb and its attached tubing and needled orifice were attached to a small smooth curved piece of wood. The orifice was arranged to be close to the right eye when the rounded end of the wood was placed behind the spectacle frame and against the nose. After the tape had been removed, this device when located by feel, would inject liquid onto the lower eye lid or into the area where top and bottom lids meet near the nose. The injection guide device had the shape of the lower portion of an eye cup and handle. This guide means had absorptive gauze attached to prevent dripping.

In other constructions the reservoir for storage of the fluid, the conduit for carrying the fluid and the orifice or discharge port have been made by heat-sealing a thin film (0.003 0.005 inch thick) directly to a thicker (0.015 0.025 inch thick) plastic member. In some of these arrangements such areas have been formed in the forming process used for making the eyecup and handle, and the thinner film has subsequently been scaled to enclose the proper areas.

The materials of construction and fluids used in the manufacture of the subject eye treatment system may be those generally used by persons skilled in the art. It is imperative that physical arrangements be such that even soft plastic materials will not contact the sensitive eye ball or eye lid surfaces. Specific sizes and arrangements may be required to achieve this inproduction of items for public use.

Plastic materials which may be used are polyethylene and other polyolefin film and tubing, cellulosics, fluorocarbons, polyesters, polycarbonates, vinly chlorides, acrylic, and the like, which possess requisite chemical resistance and handling properties. Adhesive and heat seals may be used effectively and parts may be molded or heat-formed to desired shapes. The material and the fluids must be selected so that damage or contamination on storage does not occur. The methods of the packaging industry are used to provide easily opened tear strip, seal,-or heat-seal patch construction. Preformed holes with filament seals may also be used.

In the design of the items desired, great fluid discharge pressures and velocities are avoided to minimize the possibilities of injury or'discomfort in the use of the applicators.

I claim:

1. Means for applying fluids onto the surface of a human eye comprising, in combination, eye cup means and reservoir means operatively associated therewith;

conduit for permitting fluid flow and a further releasable seal maintains said fluid reservoir in folded position, the arrangement being such that said orifice forms a fluid transferring port for discharge of fluid into the eye or said base cup means.

2. Means for applying fluids onto the surface of a humaneye comprising, in combination, eye cup means and reservoir means operatively associated therewith;

a. said eye cup means including a base cup with a base portion, wall portions extending upwardly therefrom and terminating in a generally open top edge wall and wherein said eye cup means is of suitable dimensions to allow placement over an eye while spectacles are in place;

b. said reservoir means including a closed fluid reservoir, conduit means in communication with said fluid reservoir and extending between said fluid reservoir and said'base cup and having said conduit attached in the base portion of said base cup means, wherein said eye cup is provided with a handle means at one side and to which handle means said reservoir means is attached;

c. a releasable seal covers a discharge orifice in said conduit for permitting fluid flow and a further releasable seal maintains said eye cup means in ster- 40 ile condition, the arrangement-being such that said orifice forms a fluid transferring port for discharge of fluid.

3. Means for applying fluids on to the surface of the human eye comprising, in combination, fluidinjector guide means, reservoir means, and fluid discharge means operatively associated therewith:

a. said injector guide means including a curved portion contured to fit along side the nose below the lower eye lid, said guide means of suitable dimensions to allow placement while spectacles are in place,

b. said reservoir means including a closed fluid reservoir, conduit means in communication with said fluid reservoir and'extending between said fluid reservoir means and a discharge port, said reservoir means and said conduit means attached to said guide means,

c. said fluid discharge means having a releasable seal covering a discharge port, the arrangement being such that said discharge port forms a fluid transferring port for discharge of fluid into the eye.

4. Packaging system for fluids for use in treatment of eyes comprising, in combination, reservoir means, conduit for fluid flow, and releasable seal operatively associated therewith:

a. reservoir means comprised of closed fluid pouch of heat sealed packaging film;

b. conduit means in communication with said reservoir means and extending from said reservoir, said conduit provided with a fluid transfer port;

c. releasable seal covering said discharge port and the surface of said conduit means to maintain them in sterile condition, the arrangement being such that said fluid may be discharged from said package in sterile condition.

5. Sterile packaging device for storage of eye treatment fluid and for application of said eye treatment fluid to the human eye comprising, in combination, formable eye cup means and reservoir means operatively associated therewith:

a. reservoir means of heat sealed plastic packaging film, said reservoir means connected to tubular conduit means,

b. said conduit means entering unobstructedly into the interior of a flat, sealed plastic packaging film structure and sealed to the edges thereof, said conduit terminating therein in a sealed discharge port, said discharge port being provided with an easily removable tip;

c. said flat sealed structure being comprised of two layers of film in shapes which allow it to be formed into the shape of an eye cup, and which two layers are provided with a preweakened linear opening; whereupon on opening said flat structure along the preweakened edges the structure is folded to the shape of an eye cup and the tip may be removed to allow discharge of fluid from said discharge port.

6. Eye treatment application device for introducing fluids into the human eye comprising, in combination, eyecup means, reservoir means, and transfer means operatively associated therewith; (a) said eyecup means formed of thin plastic material in low profile to allow use behind users spectacles; (b) said reservoir means comprised of a thin walled pouch made of layers of packaging film sealed together to contain eye treatment fluid, said reservoir of suitable size to have its contents expelled substantially completely by squeeze pressure of thumb and fingers; (c) said transfer means comprised of a conduit formed as an extension of said reservoir by the sealing of said two layers of packaging film to form a tubular conduit including a seal termination thereof, said packaging film being provided with a discharge means located in the surface of said conduit, said discharge means and adjacent areacovered with a releasable sterile isolation film; (d) said reservoir means mounted with said eyecup means to permit said conduit means to enter and be attached to the inside of said eyecup means in a position suitable to discharge fluid into users eye when releasable seal is removed from said discharge area; (e) said eyecup means is protected from contamination by a releasable sterile isolation film. 

1. Means for applying fluids onto the surface of a human eye comprising, in combination, eye cup means and reservoir means operatively associated therewith; a. said eye cup means including a base cup with a base portion, wall portions extending upwardly therefrom and terminating in a generally open top edge wall; b. said reservoir means including a closed fluid reservoir, conduit means in communication with said fluid reservoir and extending between said fluid reservoir and said base cup and having said conduit attached in the base portion of said base cup means, and having said reservoir folded inside said base cup, wherein c. a releasable seal covers a discharge orifice in said conduit for permitting fluid flow and a further releasable seal maintains said fluid reservoir in folded position, the arrangement being such that said orifice forms a fluid transferring port for discharge of fluid into the eye or said base cup means.
 2. Means for applying fluids onto the surface of a human eye comprising, in combination, eye cup means and reservoir means operatively associated therewith; a. said eye cup means including a base cup with a base portion, wall portions extending upwardly therefrom and terminating in a generally open top edge wall and wherein said eye cup means is of suitable dimensions to allow placement over an eye while spectacles are in place; b. said reservoir means including a closed fluid reservoir, conduit means in communication with said fluid reservoir and extending between said fluid reservoir and said base cup and having said conduit attached in the base portion of said base cup means, wherein said eye cup is provided with a handle means at one side and to which handle means said reservoir means is attached; c. a releasable seal covers a discharge orifice in said conduit for permitting fluid flow and a further releasable seal maintains said eye cup means in sterile condition, the arrangement being such that said orifice forms a fluid transferring port for discharge of fluid.
 3. Means for applying fluids on to the surface of the human eye comprising, in combination, fluid injector guide means, reservoir means, and fluid discharge means operatively associated therewith: a. said injector guide means including a curved portion contured to fit along side the nose below the lower eye lid, said guide means of suitable dimensions to allow placement while spectacles are in place, b. said reservoir means including a closed fluid reservoir, conduit means in communication with said fluid reservoir and extending between said fluid reservoir means and a discharge port, said reservoir means and said conduit means attached to said guide means, c. said fluid discharge means having A releasable seal covering a discharge port, the arrangement being such that said discharge port forms a fluid transferring port for discharge of fluid into the eye.
 4. Packaging system for fluids for use in treatment of eyes comprising, in combination, reservoir means, conduit for fluid flow, and releasable seal operatively associated therewith: a. reservoir means comprised of closed fluid pouch of heat sealed packaging film; b. conduit means in communication with said reservoir means and extending from said reservoir, said conduit provided with a fluid transfer port; c. releasable seal covering said discharge port and the surface of said conduit means to maintain them in sterile condition, the arrangement being such that said fluid may be discharged from said package in sterile condition.
 5. Sterile packaging device for storage of eye treatment fluid and for application of said eye treatment fluid to the human eye comprising, in combination, formable eye cup means and reservoir means operatively associated therewith: a. reservoir means of heat sealed plastic packaging film, said reservoir means connected to tubular conduit means; b. said conduit means entering unobstructedly into the interior of a flat, sealed plastic packaging film structure and sealed to the edges thereof, said conduit terminating therein in a sealed discharge port, said discharge port being provided with an easily removable tip; c. said flat sealed structure being comprised of two layers of film in shapes which allow it to be formed into the shape of an eye cup, and which two layers are provided with a preweakened linear opening; whereupon on opening said flat structure along the preweakened edges the structure is folded to the shape of an eye cup and the tip may be removed to allow discharge of fluid from said discharge port.
 6. Eye treatment application device for introducing fluids into the human eye comprising, in combination, eyecup means, reservoir means, and transfer means operatively associated therewith; (a) said eyecup means formed of thin plastic material in low profile to allow use behind user''s spectacles; (b) said reservoir means comprised of a thin walled pouch made of layers of packaging film sealed together to contain eye treatment fluid, said reservoir of suitable size to have its contents expelled substantially completely by squeeze pressure of thumb and fingers; (c) said transfer means comprised of a conduit formed as an extension of said reservoir by the sealing of said two layers of packaging film to form a tubular conduit including a seal termination thereof, said packaging film being provided with a discharge means located in the surface of said conduit, said discharge means and adjacent area covered with a releasable sterile isolation film; (d) said reservoir means mounted with said eyecup means to permit said conduit means to enter and be attached to the inside of said eyecup means in a position suitable to discharge fluid into user''s eye when releasable seal is removed from said discharge area; (e) said eyecup means is protected from contamination by a releasable sterile isolation film. 